More posts available for graduates

Vacancies for graduates look set to increase this year but employers felt they may struggle to fill them, according to new figures.

A survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) has forecast an increase in job vacancies of 16.4 per cent in spite of the current economic turmoil, reports the Guardian.

Graduates will be pleased to learn that the survey also expects an increase in salaries, predicting a 2.1 per cent rise that will bring the average starting salary for new graduates to £24,000.

However, some 67 per cent of employers questioned felt they may struggle to fill new posts due to graduates becoming more selective and many lacking the specific skills required, says the report.

AGR's chief executive Carl Gilleard remained positive, commenting: "The findings of our 2008 survey will make encouraging reading for graduates entering the workforce this year, as the market appears to be as buoyant as it has been for the past five years."

Founded in 1968, AGR is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting employers in all aspects of graduate recruitment.